Mental Disabilities

[Oshiego_Rod]

I am part of a young adult lay ministry and lately there have been those with mental disabilities who have joined. They are part of a day program that aids in their disabilities. Question arose is that some members of our ministry feel that they should go to a special ed ministry as we do not really have the experience in dealing with those with mental disabilities. I recall the Great Pope John Paul II’s call to respect all life and that those with disabilities should not be disregarded as different. Also, I spoke to a Deacon who assists those with mental disabilities for the arch diocese and he said that as long as they go get some sort of help then there should be no worry or concern that they stay in our ministry however if they are not seeking any help then we should find help for them. My question is are we doing the right thing by having those with mental disabilities stay or should we refer them to a ministry that aids others with their condition?

 

[Eilish_Maura]

First thing is to determine what - if any - accommodations are needed for these individuals.

From there you can see if they need to be referred to a different ministry.

 

[MsAnnie]

High school is clearly different from being a young adult, but this might give perspective. When I was in high school, a young man with mental retardation regularly came to our youth group. He was fairly high functioning and could participate in discussions about faith. Those of us who were fully-abled definitely benefitted from Joe’s presence, as did Joe.

My church also had a CCD program for teens and adults with mental disabilities and Joe attended that, as well. The students in that class had a range of mental abilities, but they were generally lower than Joe’s level and activities were designed with that in mind.

It really depends on the individual’s level of functioning as to whether they need accomodations or would benefit from a ministry specifically designed for them. If it turns out they’d benefit from a different ministry, you still might have them join you periodically and tailor those events to accomodate them.

 

[Oshiego_Rod]

First thing is to determine what - if any - accommodations are needed for these individuals.

From there you can see if they need to be referred to a different ministry.

They seem well aware and alert. It is unfortunate that other members feel that they do not belong in our ministry which does not represent Christ’s loving compassion for life as stated by the Great Pope John Paul II regarding those with disabilities.

 

[Oshiego_Rod]

High school is clearly different from being a young adult, but this might give perspective. When I was in high school, a young man with mental retardation regularly came to our youth group. He was fairly high functioning and could participate in discussions about faith. Those of us who were fully-abled definitely benefitted from Joe’s presence, as did Joe.

My church also had a CCD program for teens and adults with mental disabilities and Joe attended that, as well. The students in that class had a range of mental abilities, but they were generally lower than Joe’s level and activities were designed with that in mind.

It really depends on the individual’s level of functioning as to whether they need accomodations or would benefit from a ministry specifically designed for them. If it turns out they’d benefit from a different ministry, you still might have them join you periodically and tailor those events to accomodate them.

I totally agree that having them in our ministry has definately thought us a lot and what it truly means to love as Christ has loved. They are getting help from a program outside our ministry so that is good that they do have that too.